New Delhi, Aug 3 (KNN) India and the UK will start the 12th round of talks on a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) from August 7, reported ET. 

With this both the countries would be close to conclude discussions on the FTA.

Both sides are looking at concluding the talks before the end of the year, an official told ET.

The main issues which will be discussions in this round include investment treaty, reduction of duties on auto and whiskey and matters pertaining to services, the official said. 

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal visited London last month where the 11th round of talks was concluded.

Out of the total 26 chapters in the FTA, 19 have been closed. Investment is being negotiated as a separate agreement (bilateral investment treaty) between India and the UK and it would be concluded simultaneously with the free trade agreement.

In the rules of origin chapters, product specific rules are being negotiated which include value-addition norms for each product category, change in chapter heading, and certification.  (KNN Bureau)